Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

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Comments

  • captainjcaptainj Member Posts: 31
    jons01 in message #472 mentioned this. I have the same problem. I have a 2001 4-cylinder Camry with 3000 miles on it, and it gets about 21.5 mpg average, and that include 1/2 highway and I drive real easy. I was told by someone on another web site chat that they owned 2 recent model Camry 4-cylinders and never got less than 28 mpg from day 1. I really think we have a problem. I can't imagine the engine having to "break-in" for 10,000 miles or more! I'm sorry, but that's not realistic according to my common sense and what I know about the laws of physics. Anyone have any ideas? I'm going to bring mine to a mechanic (not the "dealer" because they are idiots and don't even try). I'll re-post if I learn anything.

    Other than the engine problem, and the truck springs that Toyota decided to put on the 2001 Camry's, it's a nice car. WHY Toyota decided to totally RUIN the suspension on the 2001 Camry's is besides me. I'm planning to replace the springs with the 99 or 00 ones, I suspect they will fit perfectly, but I'll measure them in the dealer lot to make sure. If anyone is considering buying a Camry, ahem, check out the 01 Impala.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    I keep records of gas mileage. From late Sept '00 to late Jan '01, my '97 Camry 4-cylinder got 21 to 27 mpg in day-to-day commuter-type driving (I live in a small town without much traffic tie-ups). Longer trips (about 100 miles one way) on 4-lane non-interstate highways yielded about 30 mpg. Still longer trips (300 miles one way) last spring and summer on expressways yielded 34-35 mpg.

    I go about 60-62 mph in 55 zones on freeways, and keep it to 65 mph on 65 mph freeways. I use cruise control as much as traffic permits. We don't have any higher speed limits in Virginia.

    IMHO, I don't think your gas mileage is out of line. As the EPA says, "your mileage may vary."

    I also seriously doubt Toyota changed the springs on the '01 Camry compared to earlier models.
  • wenyuewenyue Member Posts: 558
    Latest pictures and reports on the 2002 Camry, said to be released in September (that late?).


    http://www.mag-x.com/scoop/camry0103/index.html


    This is the 2nd report, a follow up on the first report for the 2002 Camry. And new side and rear pictures are posted.


    A sports trim seems to be confirmed, but I don't know if it will make it to the U.S (since it's being reported on a Japanese automotive magazine).


    What do you all think?

  • amazonamazon Member Posts: 293
    That's a very attractive car! Reminds me of the Caddy Seville.
  • tkl2tkl2 Member Posts: 6
    Captainj, In your Post#500 when you say "Truck Springs" do you mean the springs are stiff and truck like or do you mean they are actually from a truck.The only truck Toyota presently makes for sale in this country with coil springs near this size is the Tacoma. It's rear springs are leaf type so that's out, and the front coil springs are only 4.5" dia. where as the Camry front coil springs are 7.5" Dia.as you can see they are not interchangeable.
  • wenyuewenyue Member Posts: 558
    I like the fact that they decided to put in extra intergrated fog lights.

    Usually car makers tend to take little things out, aka, "decontenting". I'm glad that they are going to add, rather than subtract from the current Camry.

    Is it just me, or does the rear of the car look like a virtual carry over from the current Camry Solara coupe? Which isn't a bad thing. :)

    Now, I wish they would provide me was some figures, like interior room, trunk space, mpg, and maybe even... Price. Maybe I'm just asking too much.
  • captainjcaptainj Member Posts: 31
    210delray: Thanks for the mpg info, that's what I'd like to get. And the springs have definitely been changed, at least on my car (I don't know if they have regional parts variations?), you can tell by looking at the springs and also driving of course!

    tkl2: By "truck" springs, I meant overly firm for a car. I think Toyota will lose some serious sales because of this, if people test drive the car for a decent bit.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    Is your car built in Japan? I've heard that they come shipped with some spacers in the suspension for shipping purposes. If not removed it adversely effects the vehicle.

    Most people either love the soft ride of the Camry or complain that it's too soft. You are by far the first I've heard that thought the Camry rode rough. Unless you are used to a Deville, Grand Marquis, Roadmaster or similar boat I can't imagine a Camry riding rough.

    I've had many a rental Impalla and I'll take a camry anyday. If I wanted a bigger car like the Impalla I'd spend the dough on something nicer. But at face value, the Impalla is a pretty good value. Nicest Chevy I've driven anyway.
  • rward99rward99 Member Posts: 185
    I've seen the 2002, and it's definitely sharp looking. The pictures posted in the link from #502 are a little more dramatic than the actual car, but it does have the nice headlights. The tail lights are closer to that of the Avalon than the Solara. Overall it's larger than the 2001 (in appearance anyway, I don't have any specs), and the price will be about the same. To me, it looks like the front of a Lexus and the back of an Avalon, without the oddly placed backup lights. The interior is a very nice step up. All in all, it's a very nice, sporty looking car. It's going to be a good seller.
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Where did you see the 2002 Camry? All of us are anxious to see it. Thanks for your information on it though. It sounds like something I will like. I still want to see the new 2002 Lexus ES300 too.
  • rward99rward99 Member Posts: 185
    It's not available for public viewing yet. It's definitely geared for the younger buyer, though.
  • bjl5bjl5 Member Posts: 24
    rward99, Could you clarify what you mean by "Definitely geared for the younger buyer"? I am assuming you mean more geared for the younger buyer than the 01 model! In what way!
  • wenyuewenyue Member Posts: 558
    I think rward99 is saying the styling is less conservative and more appealing to the younger buyers.

    I'm in the market for a 2002 Camry, and if it's anything like what is being rumored around her, I think my Toyota dealer has got themself a buyer towards the winter (after the first rush of MSRP buying/selling is over).

    rward99: Any idea if the sports trim will be available in the U.S? Any info on the upcoming Lexus ES300? My wife is also interested in getting a Lexus IS300 for her graduation/real work, but I'm trying to steer her in to the more "family oriented" car segement. And a sharp looking V6 Camry will fit the bill.
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    any good deals nowadays on 2001 camry 4 cylinders? every now and then i see toyota commercials about special deals-- but don't know for sure about rebates-- anyone get a good deal on a 4 cylinder LE of late? just curious.
  • domerinmassdomerinmass Member Posts: 3
    I have a 1996 Camry LE with only 50k miles on it. On long trips taken recently, I've noticed that after about 1.5 hours at highway speeds the car loses power sporadically for a couple of seconds and then it kicks back in. At one point in a trip it even stalled out. This only happens after its been running for a while at high speeds. Before I take it to a dealer I was wondering if anyone else encountered this or has any idea of the cause. Thanks.
  • driverjodriverjo Member Posts: 2
    I have read several complaints about poor Carry mileage and I have the same complaint. We get very poor mileage, only 17-19 in city and 22-23 on highway unless we have NO stops (like 300 miles on open road in summer--then only 29 at best). The engine is broken in and we have seen no improvement. It seems that 25% below estimates are not in line, but the dealer says these figures are average. We drive carefully and are not hot-rodders. Does anyone know of a fixable problem with the Camry 4 cyl SL sedan? Thank you
  • soberssobers Member Posts: 496
    2002 Camry Pictures look good...I hope they don't sober it down on the way to the production. People by Accords/Camrys not for their looks but for the beauty lies under the hood. Non problem machinary for 8-10 years is what they want. so all this talk about styling is that all the a great issue. These pictures look like current Avalon except for the odd tail-light...which is a good thing. Looks more upscale and I guess it is going to create long lines outside the showrroms for atleast 2-3 months similar to 96 launch of 97 Camry and 97 launch of 98 Accord.
  • sinjin_dogsinjin_dog Member Posts: 84
    After two visit to the dealer for the alignment, my 2000 (LE, 4 Cy, Japan built) pulls to the left.
    The dealer tells me the alignment is perfect (have 7000 miles on it).
    Not being picky but it sure is annoying, it does not matter which lane of the freeway I am on.
    I thought I saw some posts about changing tires to get rid of this.

    I did complain about wind noises last year.

    Thanks
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    try flip flopping the front two tires to correct left pull--worked on my solara
  • sinjin_dogsinjin_dog Member Posts: 84
    Thanks, at the first tire rotation (planning at 7500 miles), I will the rear tires first.
    If it is still pulling to the left (or right), I will try flip flops.
    Oh, these are the General brand tires.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    ...the most complaints. I was lucky; mine came with the Michelins.
  • langmllangml Member Posts: 3
    I would like to start out by saying that I did see the pictures of the future Camry, and the car does look good. My mother owns a 1997 Camry LE with about 55,000 miles. When we ride up a hill, there is a sound coming from under us. The sound is pretty noticeable, and my mother took the car to the dealership to find out what the problem was. My mother thought that the problem was in the transmission, but the dealer told her that it wasn't the transmission. We still do not know what the sound is, and we have heard it a few times after that. Does anyone know what the problem is, and how it can be fixed?
  • captainjcaptainj Member Posts: 31
    Sebring95 -- I'm not sure where my Camry was made, the '01 (not sure about '00) coil springs are significantly stiffer than previous years, I bought my car based on a test drive of a rental about 6 months ago and the rental rode incredibly smoother.

    driverjo -- I called Toyota customer service, and the person I spoke with thought that ~20 mpg means something is definitely wrong with the car. I'm thinking of bringing it to the dealer. Of course, they'll probably do nothing but put some scratches on the car and I'll have to trade it in for something else anyway, so I'm not sure if I should even bother. If I do bother, I'm going to try and get a refund if they can't fix it. "If", ha ha! Has any dealer ever fixed anything that had to be diagnosed? I've never heard of that before.

    Sinjin_dog -- if your car pulls at all, something is wrong, dealers don't care in the slightest, bring it somewhere that has high tech alignment equipment to do it right.
  • rward99rward99 Member Posts: 185
    By 'geared toward the younger buyer' I was referring to styling. Camry has always been a very dependable car, but the styling has been ultra conservative. I think that Toyota is trying to appeal to the younger buyer and then keep them coming back (buying Toyotas) through their lives.

    The 2002 rear is still somewhat conservative (Avalon), but the front end is sporty looking, and the instrument panel is layed out better. The console (at least on the model I saw) was wider than before. The headlights are those sporty type of light that you've seen on some of the other models, not the conventional sealed beam or prizm reflector type.

    I viewed the new Camry with a large group of people, and there wasn't a single negative comment; everyone was very positive and felt that the car would be a good seller. My opinion is that they have taken some of the creature comforts of the Avalon and put a sporty front end on it. Base cost is supposed to be the same as the 2001 model. Quality has always been the cornerstone of any Toyota product.

    Sorry, but I don't have any information on the various option levels. They start production about July 16th so the ads will probably start in August (my guess). I don't have any information on the Lexus models. They are all made in Japan, for now. The RX300 will be made from the plant in Canada, I believe for the 2003 model year. V-8 engines will start to be made in Huntsville, AL at about the same time.
  • rward99rward99 Member Posts: 185
    The Camry (and soon the Solara) is built in Georgetown, KY. It is the only location in the US where Camry, Sienna, and Avalons are built. It is the largest Toyota plant and among the largest automotive plants in the US.
  • s15as15a Member Posts: 14
    We almost bought an LE in Texas(north texas) when a dealer did a bait and switch at the last
    minute(actually if i had not noticed that the car we almost paid a deposit on "our car" we would have been legally stuck with a car which did not have what we wanted).

    Toyota has on the "menu" a 4 cylinder LE with ABS and air bags, & auto dimming mirror, but try buying that! I have been told by 2 dealers that i have to factory order this. one dealer did a bait and switch on me:

    he said he could get one and when we went to the dealership, at the last minute i noticed that the car we were going to put a deposit on did not have any auto dimming mirror!

    We are now most probably going to go with a Honda 4 cylinder EX which has a lot more for the same money. No options headaches and gimmicks!
  • fdthirdfdthird Member Posts: 352
    My Mom's got a 2000 Camry LE and although it seems to be a great car, I find the interior a bit blah. Do you think this is one of the areas that Toyota uses to diferenciate the bottom line Lexus from the Toyota line? Honesty, my son's 2001 Focus SE has a much nicer interior and it cost a lot less!

    When I tried pricing a 2001 Camry I found that I had to spend a lot of money to upgrade the interior and didn't think it was worth paying that much for the car.
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    s15a... not for me to say, but if you found a camry with everything you wanted on it except a lack of an auto dimming rear view mirror, to me, that seems a bit goofy to not buy the car... aren't auto dimming mirrors the ones that automatically dim if someone is following you with their bright lights on? so instead of manually dimming the mirror, you want it to auto dim? and because this camry had ABS and side air bags, which you wanted, but lacked the auto dimming mirror, you went with an accord? something seems screwy... i can see going to an accord if the camry didn't have the side air bags or ABS....but what's so rough about having a MANUAL dimming mirror versus an automatic one??? maybe i'm nuts. something seems odd here. so now you're getting an accord with a lousier audio sound system-- to me, i'd rather have a much better audio system and manually dim the mirror on the rare occasions when someone is shining their bright lights in my rear view mirror....i'd also rather have daytime running lights (which the accord doesn't offer even as an option, i believe, but the camry does) than an automatic dimming mirror. am i nuts?
  • s852s852 Member Posts: 1,051
    Is there a moderator here that can remove ads and off-topic comments?
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    Thanks s852 - it's been taken care of.

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  • s852s852 Member Posts: 1,051
    It sounds like the 2002 Camry will look good.
    Many people have bought Accords primarily because the current Camry's styling is so boring both inside and out.
    The other reason someone would choose an Accord over a Camry because you can get more features for the money. Loading a Camry (X)LEV6 with options will price it way above an Accord EXV6 with those same features standard.
    Hopefully the 2002 Camry will have more standard equiptment and agressively-priced option packages.
    The current system of so many individual options will nickle and dime you to death and probably costs Toyota more money than if they simplify their offerings like Honda does.
    It's a little risky to buy a 2002 even though it will probably be reliable in the first year as previous new model Toyotas usually were.
    The 2002 Camry probably will not be widely discounted until the next year when competition from the redesigned Accord comes out. By then some buyers might like the 2003 Accord more than their 2002 Camry and wish they had waited.
    Someone posted that Toyota added some of the creature comforts of the Avalon and put on a sportier front end.
    What types of added features are you referring to?
    Did you see new features on the 2002 Camry beyond just cosmetic styling differences?
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I've always liked all the option choices. I wish they had more, but I can't stand the Honda packages(DX,LX,EX). I looked at Accords once, but when I found out I couldn't get any options on an LX I walked. The step up to the EX was substantial, and added only one or two options I wanted and a bunch I didn't. I'm postive it costs more to produce them with individual options, but Domestics have been that way for years and for much lower prices.
  • s15as15a Member Posts: 14
    ral2167: I was not clear enough...tired after a long day dealing with toyota dealers. The car I got baited on had only ABS no side air bags or auto dimming mirror. I knew it didn't have side air bags before we entered the dealership(ie. no deception there) but the auto dimming mirror was a deception.

    I know the mirror seems like a minor thing...but the car is going to be driven by someone who was looking for that & was already forgoing the side air bags on a 4 cylinder LE(almost impossible to find --- we were told).

    Accord EX 4 cylinder comes with ABS, side air bags STANDARD. No options haggling/gimmicks. Hey, we "come" from a "Toyota" family & this was not easy, still is not for me. I'll buy a 10/100K warranty for the EX Accord just in case though.
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    August 10th but could be delayed depending on several factors. Do not expect to see any ads about the 2002 until at least that date. I saw the car a few months ago at Toyota's dealer meeting in Las Vegas and the picture does not do the car justice.
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    ok-- i can understand if the camry didn't have the side air bags, you didn't want the car-- that makes more sense to me ....

    while i do understand the camry costs more than a similarly equipped accord, i tend to think one can buy a 4 cylinder 2001 camry at or below invoice... based on ads in today's paper plus edmunds incentives and rebate page, 4 cylinder camry's come with $700 cash incentives to dealers--- but regardless, both cars are decent and pretty much depends on what best suits you....happy motoring.
  • froto25froto25 Member Posts: 14
    Hi,
    I would like to change my PVC valve on my 1998 v6 XLE Camry. Does anyone out there know where under the hood the pvc valve can be found? And do you have any advice to keep in mind when changing it?

    Thanks all
    Froto25
  • jdarcyjdarcy Member Posts: 8
    2001 CE 5speed 15,000 miles
    lowest 32.5 highest 40.4
    adjusted for odometer error of -3.5% with the 205/65R15 bridgestone tires
  • armtdmarmtdm Member Posts: 2,057
    Looking at the engine from the front of the car, the valve is on the left (passenger) side, rear valve cover area just inside from the timing belt housing. If you know what it looks lilke it will be easy to spot. A small hose is clipped onto the valve, it has a 90 degree angle on the plastic piece. Seats into the block
  • L8_ApexL8_Apex Member Posts: 187
    One of the benefits of the new software is the ability to modify the titles of existing discussions. In some cases this is not necessary or even desired by the original author or those frequenting the discussion. However, we no longer need to recreate discussion at 500+ posts so the "Chapter this..." or "Part that..." is no longer necessary. So... as part of a topic title cleanup, those portions of the titles are being removed. The respective original topic in the archives is simultaneously being modified so that confusion isn't caused while searching.

    I'm also taking this opportunity to "more generalize" some topic titles to broaden their scope. For example, when the trim level, powerplant or transmission/transaxle option isn't pertinent to the comparison, I'm removing it for the purposes of making the topic applicable to the situations in which more buyers find themselves.

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  • jons01jons01 Member Posts: 59
    The poor gas mileage we are getting is unacceptable for a car that has a reputation for reliability and economy. The dealer told me to be patient and there should be a big improvement after the first oil change and as the car gets broken in. I sense that this is just b.s. and that there must be a problem with the computer controls for engine or transmission. The trasmission does not shift as smoothly as I think it should. How about yours?

    I decided on the 4 cylinder engine because of the mileage ratings and was willing to make the power and performance trade off. It is very disappointing to be getting the same gas mileage as cars with powerful 6 cylinder engines.

    If other peiole are getting great gas mileage with their Camrys, so should we. I won't settle for less and neither should you.

    Good Luck!
  • captainjcaptainj Member Posts: 31
    Jons01: I agree. Did you read jdarcy's post, 32.5 is his lowest gas mileage! I drive slower than "grandma", I should be getting at least that! I'd be happy with 25, for goodness sakes. I'm getting about 20. I talked to the dealer where I bought the car and he gave me a big load of "BS". But, Toyota customer service told me my mileage is definitely low, so I'm going to another dealer next week. I'll let you know what happens. I've really had it with stealers, oops I mean dealers, in general. When I figure out what's wrong with the car I'm going to document everything and mail it to everyone about how I was lied to by this dealer. I hope they figure it out, but if they don't I'm going to file for the Lemon Law and get a lawyer. Anyway, let me know if you find anything out before I do.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    Don't forgot, Jdarcy has a 5-speed -- that's going to improve mileage. But unless he/she drives exclusively on highways, there's no way that 32.5 mpg can be the lowest.

    Regarding lemon laws and lawyers, it's not easy to prove gas mileage is low.
  • sssongsssong Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 2001 LE V6 car, the mileage is just 250 miles so far. But when I stop the car, there comes werid sounds from the engine. I have thought it is some fluids dripping down. But I open the hood this morning, I think it is the engine is hot, and the paint over some engine parts(very hot) is splitting.
    Any similar experience on 2001 V6 car?
  • ehaaseehaase Member Posts: 328
    Instead of getting a 2002 Camry, I would consider the redesiged 2002 Nissan Altima. It will be a larger car than the current model, with a standard 180 hp 2.5L 4 cylinder and optional 240 hp 3.5L V6. I seriously doubt that the new Camry will be significantly more powerful than the current model.
  • dardson1dardson1 Member Posts: 696
    yes......I believe Toyota and Lexus are so mechanically similar Toyota has a problem differentiating the cars, intentionally dulling down Toyota products to give the customer incentive to move up to Lexus. My $29K Solara with every option but traction control (and a very fine car) has no glove box light,nor are the window or overhead switches lighted. Come on Toyota! Oh well, I guess they're giving the party and if you wanna go, you gotta dance to their tune...lol....but I do hate how they stack and pack their cars....want a particular option...you gotta take three things you could care less about to get it!
  • s852s852 Member Posts: 1,051
    I wouldn't buy a 2002 Altima without comparing it with the new Camry. There is little info available on the new Camry, so just because the new Altima is bigger than the current Camry, it doesn't mean that it will be larger than a 2002 Camry.
    The Camry will have better resale value and a different kind of ride that the-type-of-people-who-buy-Camrys like.
    The new Altima is reported to have extremely low fuel economy for the class. It burns a lot of gas to put out the extra horsepower.
  • sntxagsntxag Member Posts: 1
    I am searching for anyone who has had or is having problems with their camery pulling to one side or the other. I have a 98'LE V6 and at 41,000 miles I just bought my 3rd set of tires. I check the air pressure, rotate and as far as the alignment----it is always within specs that toyota as set. The dealer bought the first replacements. I have had 2 sets of Goodyear and now purchased Michigan. Please advise sntxag@aol.com Thank you!
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    2002 Camry scoop


    Scoop Magazine - 2002 Camry

  • drcsfdrcsf Member Posts: 36
    The Altima is a fine car with good reliability, performance and features for the money. But it is destined to be the subject of multiple rebates and loss leader leasing deals, especially as it's product cycle progresses. This is how it has always been with the Altima. This is why resale values are low. If you lease, the Altima is an excellent choice - just wait until Nissan starts with their leasing specials. If you buy, get the Camry.
  • s852s852 Member Posts: 1,051
    I am generaly more inclined to buy a Camry over an Altima and I would certainly at least look at the Camry before deciding on an Altima.
    In the last few years the Altima has been a weak choice. There was little reason to buy one unless the price was much lower than a Camry or Accord. On top of everything else, the styling was plain ugly.

    However, the 2002 Altima, looks greatly (shockingly) improved over Nissans past attempts and they may finally have something that you can buy without having to justify and defend the purchase by saying you got it because it was cheaper than a Camry.
    For instance, there are many people who actually prefer the Nissan Maxima to a V6 Camry because they prefer the type of performance the Maxima offers, not because they want something cheaper than a Camry.
    I really doubt many people could say they really prefer a 2001 Altima to a 2001 4 cyl Camry. Most people bought Altimas because the did not want to spend the extra money on a Camry.
    The 2002 Altima is so much better that the 2001's that there is more reason to buy one than for price alone.
    Maybe this will help the future resale of the new style Altimas.
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